Elections 2016: Your Voice, Your Vote

 DeKalb Democratic Party to host panel discussion with Michael Thurmond

The DeKalb County Democratic Party will host a breakfast meeting featuring Michael Thurmond, Democratic nominee for DeKalb CEO. Thurmond will lead a discussion with a panel of Democratic leaders and community activists on Saturday, Sept. 24, 9 a.m., at the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur.

The topic: “Let’s Talk:  Local, State and National issues and what is at stake in the upcoming Presidential Election, and how you can help turn out the Democratic voters in DeKalb.”

The community is invited.

Forum set for candidates in DeKalb’s District 7 race

The Lindmoor Woods Civic Association will host a forum for the eight candidates running for the District 7 seat vacated by Stan Watson. The forum will be held Monday, Sept. 26, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Tucker Recreation Center, 2803 Henderson Road, Tucker.

Each candidate will have five minutes to introduce themselves and their vision for the county. An open house format will follow where each candidate will have a table set up to allow attendees to ask questions and meet one on one. All eight candidates have confirmed they will attend.

Important Dates

Oct. 11: Voter Registration Deadline

Oct. 17: Early voting begins

Nov. 8: Election Day

Check out the sample ballot before you vote

Do you know what’s on the 2016 General Election ballot? Please familiarize yourself with the candidates, contested races and the ballot issues before you go to the polls.

In DeKalb, for example, there is a special election for the Super District 7 Commissioner. Also, some DeKalb voters, depending on where they live, will decide whether to pass Stonecrest as a new city.

To see a sample ballot, visit: http://web.dekalbcountyga.gov/Voter/pdf/SampleBallot/SB_11082016.pdf

For information about absentee ballots, registering to vote, updating your registration, polling places, please visit: http://web.dekalbcountyga.gov/Voter/pdf/gettingReady2016.pdf

or call the DeKalb Board of Voter Election Supervisors at 404-298 4020.

Rockdale candidates’ forums scheduled

Write-in candidate Courtney Dillard said he is looking forward to two upcoming candidates’ forums that he has been invited to attend. The Global Church Chamber of Commerce is hosting a forum for all Rockdale candidates running for office on Thursday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m., at Nehemiah Empowerment Ministries, 1012 S. Main St., Conyers.

The Rockdale-Newton League of Women Voters is hosting a forum on Oct. 13, 7 p.m., at the Rockdale Auditorium, 903 N. Main St., Conyers.

Gwinnett candidate’s forum set Sept. 29

Several community organizations are presenting the 2016 Gwinnett County Candidate’s forum on Thursday, Sept. 29, 6:30 p.m., at New Jerusalem Baptist Church, 422 E. Crogan St., Lawrenceville (one block from the downtown Post Office).

The purpose of the forum is to give Gwinnett voters an opportunity to hear candidates discuss the issues of importance to them in this election. The event is free and open to the public.

The non-partisan forum will be moderated by former Mayor Kelly Kautz of Snellville.

Races on the ballot include: Georgia House District 81, Georgia House District 96, Georgia House District 101, Georgia House District 102, Georgia House District 105, Georgia House District 108, Gwinnett County Board of Commission Chairman and Gwinnett County Board of Commission District 3.

The forum is presented by New Jerusalem Baptist Church; the Ebony Society; Gwinnett County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; and Raising Empowered Voices Uplifting People, Inc.